Manitoba ferret association

Ferrets are members of the Mustelidae family. Other members of this family include: the weasel, mink, otter, sable, badger, and even the skunk.

The scientific name of the Domestic ferret is Mustela furo in latin "furo" means "little thief" and if you've ever owned a ferret you definately know why this is one of there names.

The word Mustelidae is derived from the latin word for "musk". They have scent glands located on each side of the rectum.

Some ferrets that have not yet had their scent removed are able to exude a potent and musky odor through the afore mentioned glands, at times when they feel either scared, threatened, surprised or over stimulated.

The smell quickly goes away and can be easily washed off with soap and water.

De-scenting is not a necessary action however, once a ferret is fixed the "musky odor" that they are known for is virtually eliminated.

It is questionable as to who the ferret's wild ancestors really were. Scientific evidence points to two possible choices. The Steppe polecat (Mustela eversmanni) found in Siberia, or the European polecat (mustela putorius), both are considered possible ancestors.

Contrary to popular belief ferrets are not wild animals. Ferrets have been in the United States for over 300 years. They were used in the 1800's for rodent control. They even replaced the cat at one point.

The "ferretmeister" would come with his ferrets to a farm or grainery and release his ferrets. These working ferrets ran into the holes and hiding places of the rodents and the rats ran out.

Ferrets have also been used successfully to help wire planes in hard to reach places. Early ferrets also travelled far and wide on sailing ships, working as rodent patrol. Nooks and crannies on these ships weren't too tiny for a ferret's small body, since ferrets can turn around in very tight places, allowing them into areas off-limits to the cat.

Ferrets have also been used in scientific research. Since they catch the same "common cold" as humans, they have been used in medical investigations. They have also been used for hunting and rodent control, and were even raised for their fur (fortunately, they were not well suited for this purpose).

It is only fairly recently that so many people have "Discovered" what wonderful pet's ferrets can be. They are the 3rd most popular pets behind the dog and the cat. Today the domesticated ferret is a cherished and often pampered member of the household throughout Canada, U.S.A, Europe, Australia, New Zealand, and Japan.

Just like their ancestors they are Carnivores (However, not all domesticated ferrets will eat meat.). With large canine teeth that sometimes look quite imposing. The reason being their teeth are lower than the bottom lip and are in plain sight.

- Misconceptions -

The most common one is that ferrets are European polecats bred in captivity "wild animals". As you have learned, this is NOT true.

If it were, they would be "aggressive" as a wild animal is , and anyone who has ever even held a ferret knows that they are anything but aggressive or wild.

Another is that ferrets will establish in the wild. Ferrets have been in the United States in large numbers for over 300 years and have never been able to do this.

Domestic Ferrets exsistence and "breedings" are completly controlled by People.

There is a wild animal found in the United States that is referred to as a "ferret".

This is the Black-footed ferret whose scientific name is Mustela nigripes. This animal is on the ENDANGERED SPECIES list.